Alcohol Treatment Program

Posted by rozeklawoffice on December 29, 2009 under Drunk Driving, General | Be the First to Comment

Three years ago, Winnebago County launched a program titled, the Streets Treatment Option Program (SSTOP). 150 people are currently in the program and many more will soon have the option. Governor Jim Doyle recently signed a drunk driving bill that will take effect on July 1, 2010. SSTOP allows OWI offenders who are convicted of their second or third drunken-driving offense to participate in a probation and treatment program in exchange for a reduced jail sentence.

Under current law, judges outside of Winnebago County have not been allowed to sentence drunk drivers to probation until the fourth offense. Having that treatment and probation option available to second and third time offenders is a step towards addressing the alcohol issue that exists in Wisconsin.

Participants in the program must remain sober and undergo alcohol assessment, complete a drivers safety program and perform community service. If the participants do not comply with the rules, they can be sent back to the court and ordered to serve additional time.

So far, in the Winnebago pilot program, the program seems to be working at addressing alcohol addiction while saving the county money and keeping our streets safe from yet another drunk driver. The recidivism rate for those who have completed the SSTOP program is at a low 10%.

In July 2010, the program will be expanded statewide. This program may increase the safety of our Wisconsin roads which is always welcomed.

For more on Wisconsin Drunk Driving Accidents